Deep Brain Stimulation: A Hope for People with Neurological Disorders

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If someone has a neuropsychiatric disorder or a movement disorder, deep-brain stimulation, or DBS, is one of the treatments that a doctor can opt for. 

It works by altering the activity of the nervous system. The electrical signals delivered by the DBS device can help to reduce the symptoms of movement disorders, such as tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement. Just like a heart pacemaker, electrodes from the brain are connected to wires which are then connected to a small electrical generator implanted under the skin near the collarbone.

There are several treatments for neurological disorders. DBS is typically used as a last resort when a patient doesn't respond to other treatments. There are a lot of tests and procedures a prospective DBS patient must go through to ensure that the patient is a good fit for the treatment.

Once a patient has undergone the procedure, they must return to the doctor for several post-operative checkups. Typically, a patient takes medications along with the treatment to ensure everything works as it should. Since the electrical generator doesn't last a lifetime, patients must go through surgeries to replace these generators. 

Even though DBS is a safe and effective treatment, there are some risks associated with the surgery and the device. The most common risks include infection, bleeding, and swelling of the brain. There is also a small risk of stroke and death.

DBS is a life-changing treatment for many people with movement disorders. It can provide significant relief from symptoms and improve quality of life.  It could help people to regain lost function and live more independent lives. This is a future that is within reach, thanks to the pioneering work of scientists and doctors in the field of DBS research.

Sources:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/deep-brain-stimulation